Red Bank Makes a Statement on Diversity

From the inception, David Pascale said the goal was for Red Bank to set the example of inclusivity in Monmouth County. Chaired by Pascale, the Human Relations Committee’s idea was a simple one: develop a diversity statement to show other municipalities that the borough is an all-accepting one.

At the borough’s council meeting Tuesday night, Councilwoman Kathleen Horgan, liaison to the relations committee, presented the board with the completed diversity statement, one she hopes will be introduced by resolution as soon as Red Bank’s next council meeting.

The statement is straightforward enough, culled from a variety of sources and inspired by the efforts of other towns and organizations that have made the same step, and covers all aspects of diversity.

Various council members expressed excitement of the statement. Here it is as presented by Horgan: 

"Diversity, when it is accepted and respected, is a tremendous strength and asset for any community. It encompasses an understanding that each individual is unique and valuable to the welfare of the community. It recognizes and celebrates the differences amongst individuals, and capitalizes on the strengths resulting from these differences. Diversity works best when a community explores these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment.

The Human Relations Advisory Committee of Red Bank, NJ, in an effort to set an example for inclusivity, adopts the broadest definition of diversity with the following statement: The dimensions of diversity shall include, but are not limited to the following: race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, disability, socioeconomic status, cultural orientation, physical abilities, political beliefs, age, and national origin and status."

Red Bank Mayor Pasquale Menna said the effort is a welcome one.

“The resolution is a no-brainer,” he said. “Diversity has been a goal of this board for as long as I’ve been on it – forever. Since Moses came down from the mountain.

“(Diversity) has been our creedo; we haven’t deviated from it.”

Horgan also presented a diversity survey, which will be handed out to members of all of the borough’s boards and committees. The survey is part of the Sustainable Jersey program and will help identify and analyze diversity in the borough.